Nikki Yeager

A girl named Emmanuela (sp?) commented on my blog yesterday and included a link to her own. At first I dismissed it as a spam comment... until I clicked on the link to her own blog. It's a Natural Hair Care blog with tons of tips for hair care and a chat room.

But what stuck out was her post about her birthday. Here's how it started:

"I am a college student who moved back home from going to a school 5 hrs away. I do not want to be normal, and have never been normal. I am theweird girl, who's quiet because I do not wish to get my dreams crushed by the robotic thinking that people sometimes have.

So what have I accomplished this past year?..."

Which made me question (considering it's New Years and all), What have I accomplished this past year?

After all, we 'weird' girls always question that. It keeps us humble and keeps us moving. 

Here's my answer to her question, it's for my own knowledge and reflection but feel free to comment if you chose. All the links go to other blog posts from the year (that I wrote).

1. I moved to Cambodia. Despite the malaryia, my lack of knowledge on Southeast Asian culture, the language difference and my youth (19 yo at the time), I did it. And it's the single most important decision I've made in my life to date. I will never forget landing in that country and knowing it'd be home for the next 6 months. I will never forget visiting 5 star hotels for fundraising opportunities and immersing myself in the culture of a country so foreign. It defined my year as one of adventure.

2. I left Cambodia with a sickness, stopped in Houston and landed a job running a non-profit in the Bahamas. It wasn't much to speak of, just a little baby non-profit that wasn't very established nor very well thought out. Maybe I shouldn't have taken the job considering the position they were in. But I did and I had a 3.5 month vacation from life. I handled it, hated it, swam in the ocean every day, ran on the beach alone and drove a cadillac often enough to get my fix for life. Then I left and I haven't looked back since.

3. In NYC, I showed my art in 2 venues, 1 gallery and am lined up for one more gallery next month (in Chelsea!). One online magazine featured me, several websites posted my pictures and dozens of twitter fans tweeted my art. Basically, I got small time attention (that meant a big time confidence boost) for a hobby I never put much faith in. I'm now a part time artist. Big change from doing it behind closed doors.

4. I started my own company. Randomly I decided it was best to go my own direction. After all, I'm capable. Might as well do it. So I did and now you can hire Snag Everyone Online for all your Social Media and online marketing needs!

5. Right before the year closed out I fell in love. For real. The kind I didn't believe I could have again. After all, I was convinced butterflies were reserved for firsts and all of my firsts have already occurred, and my last hope for a rekindled relationship died in July. I was ready to sett;e for happy, compatible and comfortable. Someone who made logical sense could've come around and I'd be ready for marriage within a year or two. However, life always has a few surprises in store and although I intentionally set out to find a boyfriend, I didn't mean to get this lucky. The first time we held hands (before we kissed... how often does that happen when you're out of your teen years??) my heart flip flopped in my chest and my fingers went tingly. Instead of a year I may have to wait 7 for a ring, but I'm very happy with my find weather it's how I planned it or not.

And that's my top five. Cambodia, Bahamas, Art, Company and Love.

Not a bad way to finish a year. But I'm convinced I can do better and can always accomplish more. Maybe tomorrow or the next day I'll post what this year has in store for me.